Ruaudin: Walking Trails, Forest and Local History

Ruaudin can be explored from several perspectives: local walking trails and woodland shape the opportunities for walks, while motorsport history and architectural heritage offer further themes to consider when planning your trip. Your choice depends on whether you mainly want to spend time outdoors, explore a particular route or learn more about the history of the town. The following distinctions can help you tailor your stay to your interests.

Compare walking trails and routes

Four local walking trails cover a total of 32.7 kilometres. This total shows the extent of the local walking network; it is not the length of a single route. If you would rather look at a specific route than the network as a whole, Ruaudin offers different routes and themes.

The Rando’Clim trail in the Le Petit Plessis area opened on 1 April 2023. It is 2.7 kilometres long and has twelve stations for observing trees. The trail invites hikers, walkers and other trail users to observe the effects of climate change in the region while also learning more about the trees along the routes. Rando’Clim thus combines a specific route with nature observation and a learning theme.

The Circuit des Bondes is a circular route in Ruaudin designated as a Sentier de Promenade et de Randonnée (PR). It is 14.0 kilometres long, with a stated duration of three hours. Compared with the 2.7-kilometre Rando’Clim trail, it offers a considerably longer route. The stated duration for the Circuit des Bondes gives you an additional guide for planning.

Experience the forest and nature

Ruaudin has a very large wooded area. Numerous walking trails wind through the forest, giving walkers the opportunity to discover the local flora and fauna. Rando’Clim has a different focus: it centres on trees and observing the effects of climate change. When comparing the trails, you can therefore take into account both the route length and the nature theme of each one.

Motorsport history and heritage

Part of the Mulsanne Straight lies within the municipality of Ruaudin and has shaped the town’s history. Since 2015, Ruaudin has been part of the celebrations during Le Mans 24 Hours week, thanks to the Les R’Hunaudières event. The straight and the event represent different aspects of the town’s connection to motorsport: the former reflects its history, while the latter brings it into the celebrations. If you want to time your trip around an event, check the specific dates in advance.

Saint-Pierre Church also offers a glimpse into Ruaudin’s architectural history: it dates from the 17th and 19th centuries and the beginning of the 20th century, and features magnificent stained-glass windows. The different periods and the windows give you specific points of reference for understanding the church’s architecture. A wash house, or lavoir, was restored by volunteers in 1986 and bears witness to the importance of water in local life.

Ruaudin’s heritage can also be explored during a Heritage Day held in September. Check the specific dates before your trip if you would like to plan around this event. The historical themes thus complement the nature and motorsport connections, without requiring the same kind of outing.

Plan your journey

Ruaudin is served by Setram, with a bus and tram connection that is particularly popular with young people. As public transport services can change, check current connections before travelling. Alongside walking trails and heritage, you can therefore also find information about local public transport to help plan your trip.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Roézé-sur-Sarthe, La Chapelle-Saint-Aubin, Saint-Pavace, Villaines-sous-Lucé, Saint-Pierre-Du-Lorouer, Chahaignes, Vallon-sur-Gée, Montreuil-le-Chétif.

For the main travel overview: Sarthe.